The company added to its finishing capacity with the Matrix 370P laminator, which cost £11,000 and went into the business three weeks ago.
The machine from Vivid Laminating Systems replaced a “previous incarnation” of the Matrix, the non-pneumatic 370 model, used for last three years, said managing director Jason Gadd
According to Elephant the Matrix is quicker than the previous version by up to 40% and the extra pressure generated by the compressor ensures a strong bond between the film and material minimising silvering.
The system also allows for metallic and clear foiling. Key features include anti-curl technology and a semi-automatic feed as well as an automatic separator.
Pneumatic pressure rollers allow printers to laminate some substrates up to 50% quicker and is suited for applications such as business cards, menus, book covers, brochures and flyers.
Gadd said: “The pneumatic system and compressor put a lot more pressure on to the work so we get faster laminating and a better bond. It runs at about 4.5m per minute.
The 370P is being used for covers for perfect-bound books, business cards and brochures as well as soft-touch lamination and anti-scuff finishes.
Elephant launched 14 years ago and produces work for mainly B2B customers such as design and marketing agencies, local authorities other print companies and freelance graphic designers.
The company operates two digital presses, a HP Indigo and a Xerox J75, two large-format printers, an Epson SureColor and HP DesignJet, and finishing kit for large and small-format print work.
The purchase of the new laminator coincided with an increase in turnover of some 23% over the last 12 months for Elephant, said Gadd, whose five staff make a turnover of £450,000.
“We've seen more work from local authorities and agencies from Brighton, which is a creative place and forms a rich market for us. We hope to make £550,000 to £600,000 turnover within a year.”
Gadd added: “The requirement for laminating has increased year-on-year, and is still a popular finish on a lot of our work.
“The increase in speed was a factor with this purchase, but ultimately we are interested in achieving the best possible finish. The foiling option is also a bonus.”
